"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."-- Unknown--

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Call me crazy...

I think I’m going to make a big sign to hang on my front door that reads, “Heather’s Home for Lost, Unwanted and Mistreated Animals.”

My little furry family has gained another member.

Meet Maverick the German Wirehair Pointer.

Pitiful, right? Y’all, he is about the sweetest thing I have ever met and his story broke my heart.To sum it up shortly, he is a very expensive hunting dog who was no longer wanted after the novelty of a having a puppy wore off. His owners dropped him off at my friend’s house. Unfortunately, this particular friend and his family already had three other dogs and they weren’t too keen on having another one around to feed. They talked a lot about getting rid of him – joking that they’d just drop him off on a dirt road if they didn’t think he’d find his way back again. Y’all, I don’t joke like that. I told them I’d take him home with me. They didn’t think anything of it, and I didn’t pursue it like I should’ve until this past weekend.

Friday night I noticed that Maverick had a big spot of discolored, badly matted fur on his neck. I asked what happened and my friend casually said, “Oh, Miller (one of their other dogs) bit him.” I looked closer and saw two HUGE gaping wounds on Maverick’s neck. I asked what they were going to do about it and this is the response I got: “Nothing. He’ll be fine.”

They proceeded to tell me that if it got too bad, or if he got sick, they’d just take him to the woods and shoot him. I almost threw up. I said, “LIKE HELL YOU WILL.”

Needless to say, first thing Saturday morning I showed up and informed them that Maverick was coming to live with me. I took him home, bathed him, cleaned his wounds and introduced him to Toby.

I took him to the vet yesterday and they kept him overnight. They said the wounds were badly infected and they’d need to clean them out and start him on antibiotics. Apparently Maverick’s old owners took him this vet once upon a time, so they had his records on file. Turns out, he’s just shy of three years old, but has not had any shots or medication in the past two years.

I’ve never understood people who get pets and then don’t take care of them. They aren’t toys to play with until something new comes along. They’re living, breathing, feeling beings who will love you unconditionally. All they need in return is a little nurturing.

People complain that vet bills are too expensive. “They’re just dogs,” they say. Yes. They’re dogs. Dogs that you didn’t have to get in the first place if you weren’t willing to make a commitment to their health and wellbeing. Dogs that deserve a loving, happy home. Dogs that do NOT deserve to be in constant pain because you let their neck get so infected it started oozing puss. (Sorry for that last one. I know it’s gross. I saw it first hand yesterday.)

Anyway – I’m getting off my soapbox now.

I’ll keep you updated on the healing process. I’m sure I’ve gotten myself in too deep – I’m sure I need another animal like I need a hole in the head. But regardless, he’s here now and will be taken care of and loved very much.

14 comments:

You just might be the sweetest person I've never met. Poor Maverick! I, too, have a soft spot for furry creatures ... my lil sis is heading to vet school next year ... and I'm so happy he now has a loving home. You're a rock star, Heather. Thank you for sharing!

I am so glad that there are people like you in this world!! Imagine the outcome had you not been at the right place at the right time.I hope everything works out for Maverick. Animal cruelty is incomprhensible to me and I cannot for the life of me understand some people. "take him to the woods and shoot him" Really....? Really..?

Heather...YOU GO GIRL! I am so glad you had the guts to take on Maverick...he is a beautiful dog and I love his big nose! We have a Wheaten Terrier that has hair similar to his and probably about his size. She is truly a member of the family. My guess is that you will never regret the day you took him in.

That is unless you meet the man of your dreams, tall dark and handsome and a millionaire to boot but he doesn't like dogs! But then again that kind of guy probably isn't the man of your dreams anyway!

awwww you are too sweet and Maverick is very lucky that you came into his life or else who knows what would have happened to him and no one really wants to think about THAT!!! I bet hes going to be lovin life there with you and the others real soon!!! (HUGZ)

You need to meet my Mama. She would have done the same thing, as would I. We have a German Short Hair Pointer and she is great! They are the best dogs (next to Golden Retrievers)! Good luck with Maverick! They have so much expression in their ears and tail! I swear 80% of Suzy's personality is in her ears and 20% is in her tail!

Okay first of all you are an angel!!! Second this is a soapbox that people need to get on and be loud and clear. I am also really tired of people telling me they got new animals and then hearing through the grapevine a few months later that it didn't work out so they took them back to the pound or gave them away. I so wholeheartedly agree with you that this just isn't a toy, it's a four legged being. I don't find those kinds of 'jokes' funny at all. Yay you for being Maverick's new mummy!!!